Nastia Liukin: the interview

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Nastia Liukin became a household name after capturing the gold at the 2008 summer Olympics. But gymnastics is not her only bag. Did you know that she's a student of international business, has her own clothing line, and works with a ton of causes? Oh, and did we mention she is just 19?!?

Nastia is currently training for the 2009 Visa Championships. Thanks to our friends at Athletes for Hope, we had the opportunity to speak with Nastia. She took a break from leaping off vaults and spinning on the high-beam to talk with CGG about her crazy life since her Olympic domination. You must be thinking, what else can this girl do—fight crime? With a personal theme song by Saving Jane called "Supergirl" we think she probably could!

Check out our exclusive interview with Nastia, and learn all about her charity work, why she loved working on Gossip Girl, and how she stays in shape.

CelebsGoneGood: Tell us what it was like after coming home from the Olympics. What has been your favorite perk? Favorite appearance?

Nastia Liukin: The last five months of my life have been absolutely crazy, fun, exciting, and the best times of my life! I have been able to meet so many amazing people, travel all over the world, and work with incredible photographers!

One of my favorite photo shoots I did was for Women's Wear Daily. Guy Aroch was the photographer and it was so much fun working with him!

I got to be on talks shows, Leno, Oprah, Conan, and The View. I got to attend my first fashion week in N.Y., and sit front row at BCBG Max Azria and Peter Som. Most recently I did the spring campaign for Max Azria, which was a HUGE honor to be included in that.

I launched my own line of clothing with Vanilla Star Jeans, called Nastia Gold, as well as my own line of leotards with GK Elite, that I designed!

Now I am finally traveling a little less, so I am able to get back in the gym and start training for this year! I am really excited to get back to competing!

CGG: Can you tell us about your work with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation?

NL: Together with Saving Jane, we teamed up with the Susan G. Komen foundation. For every purchase of the song "Supergirl", 10% is donated to the foundation.

CGG: How were you involved with Saving Jane's song, "Supergirl" for this foundation?

NL:Before the Olympics, Saving Jane contacted me and asked if "Supergirl" could be my official theme song. I was honored for them to ask me!

CGG: Tell us about your experience with the WOGA Toy Joy Drive this past week?

NL: I have been involved with the Dallas Morning News Charity for about a year now. We decided to put together a toy drive right before Christmas and donated the toys to the children of the charity. Everyone that came had to bring at least one toy and in exchange got an autographed picture of me and Carly Patterson (2004 Olympic all-around champion).

CGG: What was your inspiration for creating your UGG boots to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital?

NL: Their theme this year was hope. I wanted to do something along that line, but at the same something simple. It was a lot of fun to draw on a pair of UGGs! :)

CGG: What was it like to work on Gossip Girl?

NL:It was really fun being on set and meeting Leighton and Ed. I have been a big fan of the show, so to be able to have a small role in it was so cool!

CGG: You've had so many accomplishments this past year from your Olympic gold medal to being nominated for USSA's 2008 Female Athlete of the year.
What would you consider to be your biggest professional accomplishment to date?

NL: I would have to say definitely winning the all-around gold medal. It has changed my life forever. It has given me so many opportunities that would have not been possible without it. I am very proud of that medal, it took many years of hard work, and it couldn't have been done without both my parents.

CGG: What's your ultimate goal for the future now that you're already an Olympic champion?

NL:I am going to continue training and competing. The 2009 Visa Championships are in Dallas this year, my home town! So I am very excited about that! Aside from gymnastics, I am going to be actively working on getting more kids and teens involved in sports, and over all be healthy. Teenage obesity is a huge problem in the U.S. and I would really like to help make a change.

CGG: You've been involved in so many charities. What's the cause that above all else is closest to your heart?

NL: I feel like so many people and great causes have been behind me and have supported me to achieve my ultimate goal at the Olympics. I love the feeling of giving back and helping others.

CGG: What are the challenges of being a gymnast? Do you feel pressured to keep a certain body image?

NL: Gymnastics is such a great way to stay in shape! I have never been worried about the way my body looks. I am thankful for what I have and the way I look. But I do know, that I work hard for that! Now that I am not in "competition shape" I am doing a lot more cardio work to get back in shape!

CGG: What advice do you have to girls to be true to themselves?

NL: Believe in yourself and your goals and dreams! Don't let people tell you that you aren't capable of doing something. If you believe you can, then you will!

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